One kid askedif I killed anybody.I was surprised andshouldn’t have been.I told him the truth.

Later that day,in the squadron,I asked a buddywhat he would’ve done.I would’ve lied, he said.

I answered the questionin front of my son.The only time it has come up.“That’s what happens in combat.”Next question, please.

Eric “Shmo” Chandler flew 145 F-16 combat sorties during seven trips downrange.His story “Chemical Warfare” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize this year. Visit ericchandler.wordpress.com to read his published fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He’s a husband and father who cross-country skis as fast as he can in Duluth, Minnesota.”